Letter To the Editor

To Police Chief Shawn Geci and the Borough of Ridgway Police Officers:

I have a scanner, and while I was busy around the house the other evening, I took note over my scanner something going on which reminded me of the OJ Simpson high speed chase many years ago. But it wasn’t the Simpson pursuit, it was one of our officers pursuing a known suspect, doing all the right things.

This officer, while chasing a suspect in the borough, followed the “book” to the letter. He called his Chief for permission to pursue this individual, through an area of neighborhoods, and via his radio, notifying the 911 Center his speed, location and amount of traffic in the area, every few minutes. While all of this was going on, other Ridgway police officers were gearing up to assist him, as were the Pennsylvania State Police.

This pursuit took the officer and others out of the borough and into Ridgway Township, and all the rules continued to be followed. After close to 30 minutes into the pursuit, it ended.

How did it end? It ended peacefully. The suspect was captured and contained and no one was injured and no guns were drawn and fired. This is not only good police work, it is excellent police work.

Chief Geci, your men and women are an example of how law enforcement should act in every situation. You should be proud of the great force you have put together.

Also, hats off to the PSP and all their troopers for their excellent work in this case and all the calls they answer. The Ridgway area is lucky to have you.

Sincerely, Barbara Whitehouse Ridgway, PA